The Petrified Forest

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Cast & Crew

Leslie Howard
Alan Squier

Bette Davis
Gabrielle "Gabby" Maple

Humphrey Bogart
Duke Mantee

Dick Foran
Boze Hertzlinger

Genevieve Tobin
Mrs. Edith Chisholm

Charley Grapewin
Gramp Maple

Porter Hall
Jason Maple

Archie Mayo
Director

Robert E. Sherwood
Writer

Charles Kenyon
Writer

Delmer Daves
Writer

Hal B. Wallis
Executive Producer

Bernhard Kaun
Original Music

Sol Polito
Cinematographer

Owen Marks
Film Editing

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Audience Reviews for The Petrified Forest

• Jul 16, 2022

  This is a film worthy of scholarly review as it's crammed with sub-themes of social class, the need for love, and existentialism.
  

  Aldo G Super Reviewer
• Oct 13, 2018

  Such a beautiful movie; shamelessly romantic, with lovely moments from a pair of kindred spirits who cross paths (Bette Davis and Leslie Howard), and yet with artistry and depth as well. Despite being in different places in life, they have an instant connection, one that's based on the higher things in life, art and intellect. The setting is a deserted place in the middle of nowhere, Arizona during a sandstorm, which creates a wonderful atmosphere. While it's a little stilted at times, it allows all of the characters to speak from the heart. I loved listening to Howard waxing poetic while drinking whiskey, with Humphrey Bogart glowering over the group menacingly. The dialogue throughout the movie is interesting, and includes pointed commentary about America during the depression. Director Archie Mayo tells the story well, without a wasted scene, even if we can see where it's going a little too early. The film is a must for Bogart fans, it was his first big movie, and though he was 37, he looks youthful, raw, and lean. I loved the little moment early on when he grinds his jaws in anger while listening to someone. He's the antithesis of Howard's character, and yet both have a fatalistic sense about them. Genevieve Tobin adds depth to the film in the supporting role of the wife of a rich man. At first she appears shrewish and overly critical of her husband (Paul Harvey), but gradually we find that she too, had more fanciful dreams in life. Of course, the film really belongs to Davis and Howard, and they're wonderful. The kisses they share towards the end are very sweet too.
  Antonius B Super Reviewer
• Jul 10, 2018

  What if college educated types ruminated on the soullessness of society and chose to broadcast those thoughts to the world at large? Boring, right? How to "get 'er done" then? By making those ruminations palatable, even poetic, and hiding them in the story of a gangster-on-the-run! So Leslie Howard spouts poetic musings left and right, college professorial pipe thoughtfully in the side of his mouth. A young Bette Davis gazes at him soulfully, her eyes never so big (and yet there is zero heat between them). Bogie is on hand simply as the heavy, the Angel of Death, only present to promise a cessation of Howard's character's unending poetic ramble, and (by my reckoning) he takes too long. High-end drama, decently presented, if obviously.
  Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
• Feb 02, 2013

  Simultaneously hopeful and tragic "The Petrified Forest" presents a great character study of a self-loathing and unaccomplished intellectual. In fact, the film maybe hit a little too close to home for me at moments.
  

  Alec B Super Reviewer